Essays instead of Powerpoints

Meetings can be the bane of some companies. Prone to time wasting, generally consisting of a few people zoned out while one person presents an idea. In school, we are taught to keep presentations clear of visual clutter by using concise dot points. We are taught to expand on our argument vocally as we present. But is that really the right way? I think most people just subconsciously read dot points over and over again, drowning out anything of real value the speaker might be adding. 

This screams waste of 2 hours

Understanding this problem, Amazon’s solution was to ensure that every meeting revolved around an exactly 6 page structured memo. They spent the majority of time in their meetings quietly reading. What this did was create structured, thoroughly explored ideas that had real impact. It meant that ideas had to be fleshed out completely, and questions that could've caused roundabout discussion could arise on page 2 and be answered by page 4.

Understood? Yep, clear as mud

Writing these types of essays are important. Not to meet a word count, or because your boss told you to, but to practice explaining an idea thoroughly. Taking the time to think through all possibilities and shortfalls. Writing this way weeds out poor thinking. Although it’s a serious time sink, it commands respect from a group and will improve standards of thinking at your next meeting. Writing a long form narrative is an effective, clear way to share your vision to a group and to yourself.